Caleb James Goddard—often mentioned as Jack Nicholson and Susan Anspach’s son—has kept a remarkably low public profile despite decades of media curiosity. This fact-checked profile brings together verified details about his birth, family background, education, and screen credits, while respecting the privacy he’s maintained over the years.
Key takeaways
- Born: September 26, 1970; Los Angeles, California.
- Parents: Actress Susan Anspach and (reportedly) Jack Nicholson; later adopted by actor Mark Goddard.
- Education: Associated with Georgetown University (early 1990s).
- Credits: On-screen in The Slap Maxwell Story (1988); location assistant on Guilty as Charged (1991).
- Public stance: Values privacy; rarely gives interviews or public statements.
Quick facts
| Name | Caleb James Goddard |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Caleb Goddard |
| Date of birth | September 26, 1970 |
| Place of birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Mother | Susan Anspach (1942–2018) |
| Father (reported) | Jack Nicholson |
| Adoptive father | Mark Goddard |
| Education | Georgetown University (assoc.) |
| Known credits | The Slap Maxwell Story (1988); Guilty as Charged (1991) |
Early life & family background
Born in Los Angeles in 1970, Caleb grew up connected to Hollywood yet kept at arm’s length from the spotlight. His mother was the acclaimed actress Susan Anspach. While media have long linked his paternity to Jack Nicholson, Anspach later married Mark Goddard (Lost in Space), who adopted Caleb during his childhood. The adoption and the family’s desire for privacy have been noted by major outlets over the years.
Education
Multiple reports and directory listings associate Caleb with Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., around the early 1990s, aligning with the timeline of his early professional credits. Specific coursework and degree details are not public, consistent with his preference for staying out of the limelight.
Film & TV credits
Caleb’s verified screen footprint shows interest both on camera and behind the scenes:
- The Slap Maxwell Story (TV series, 1988): On-screen appearance credited as “Caleb Goddard.”
- Guilty as Charged (1991): Location assistant (credited as “Caleb James Goddard”).
These credits suggest an early career engagement with film and television without building a public-facing persona.
About the Nicholson connection
Mainstream coverage for decades has discussed Caleb as Nicholson’s son, noting that public acknowledgment was complicated historically while private acknowledgment has been reported. Coverage also recounts that Caleb’s relationship with the extended family has been largely kept out of gossip cycles—another reflection of his measured approach to public life.
Privacy & current life
Caleb rarely appears in interviews or public events. In 2018, he confirmed the passing of his mother, Susan Anspach—one of the few instances where he stepped forward publicly. Beyond such moments, he has maintained a deliberate, private life away from Hollywood media rhythms.
FAQs
How old is Caleb James Goddard?
Born September 26, 1970, he is in his mid-50s.
Is Jack Nicholson his father?
Major outlets have long reported that he is Nicholson’s son. Public statements were historically complex, while later reporting described private acknowledgment. Caleb himself has largely avoided the spotlight.
Did he work in film/TV?
Yes. He appeared in The Slap Maxwell Story (1988) and worked as a location assistant on Guilty as Charged (1991).
Did he attend Georgetown University?
Directory listings and entertainment reporting associate him with Georgetown in the early 1990s, though detailed academic records are not public.